American films do not have the monopoly to be called great. Yet, their wide rich and strong influence to the popular crowd are undeniable. This February, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) will honor last year’s best of cinema. The Best Picture Award is the highest among all the categories. With this Award, the films are judged based on every element: directing, writing, acting, musical scoring, film editing and other works put in the film. Below is a summary of the reviews we made for each of the nominee. You can click on their titles to redirect you to the main article.

by Heinrich Domingo

The Martian boldly narrates the cliché tale of a survivor. With only science fiction as its armor, it courageously delivers science into the center stage without the fear of losing its plebeian audience. The movie tries hard not to fall into the hype built by its predecessors, Gravity and Interstellar – the two choosing to be emotionally and philosophically grounded. Rather, it faces the reality that science can be tedious, boring, and disappointing. In the end, it got its reward as viewers take notice on how hard facts and technicalities can be entertaining as well.